2019 OLA–WLA Preconference Workshops

Preconference Workshops

Preconference Workshops will be held Wednesday, April 17.

8:30 am–12:30 pm (4 hour)

No Assembly Required Early Learning ProgramsLearn to quickly create exceptional, early literacy rich programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that will engage caregivers and children, encourage development and kindergarten readiness, and reflect the diversity of the world. Explore examples of successful activities and learn about alternatives to standard storytimes. You will leave this interactive session with time saving techniques for developing your own no assembly required early learning programs in addition to at least one fully planned program.

Beyond Scratch: Learn2Code with PatronsLearn how to lead coding workshops that introduce library patrons to a variety of programming languages, without a degree in computer science! Get comfortable with the unknown and build an environment of collaboration within your coding workshops to encourage patrons to collaborate and experiment to gain better understanding of language mechanics. We'll look at a number of online environments to practice building skills in CoffeeScript, Python, JavaScript and more! Participants should bring their own laptop or Chromebook to the session for hands-on coding exercises. A limited amount of laptops will be provided.

Copyright Outreach, Education & Advocacy on CampusAcademic library staff often have formal or informal copyright responsibilities on their campuses. Whether you are charged with creating copyright education for your campus community or just want some tools to chip away at the misinformation regarding copyright that you encounter from staff, students, and faculty, this interactive workshop is designed to help you design copyright outreach efforts that will work. Participants will leave with plans to either begin or extend copyright-related outreach from whatever role they occupy at their institution.

Building Relationships to Shape BehaviorPublic libraries are experiencing a rise in escalated behavior. Come learn and explore how relationship-building makes it easier for library staff to help patrons use the library successfully. In this session, you’ll learn about making the library a welcoming place for all, the importance of library services to those with limited or no access to basic resources, making library rules feel like guidance rather than punishment, and using discussion rather than reaction to address behavior. There will also be a focus on collaborating with other library staff, de-escalation strategies, and maximizing personal safety in this session.

Sponsor: Washington State Library Association (WLA)

Melissa Munn, Community Conduct Coordinator, King County Library SystemAngelina Benedetti, Library Regional Manager - West Region, King County Library System

Leap Into Science (8:30–11:30 am)Take a Leap Into Science! Leap into Science programs for libraries integrate open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed especially for children ages 3-10 and their families. Washington State Library and the State Library of Oregon are partnering with libraries, museums, and other afterschool providers to build capacity for STEM learning across our states using this nationwide program from The Franklin Institute Science Museum & the Free Library of Philadelphia. By choosing to participate in this training, your library is committing to provide a total of three family workshops. All attendees will receive their own Leap into Science program kit with materials valued at $300 and follow up support from the Leap Into Science National Network. We strongly encourage teams of two or more people to register for this training.

8:30–5:00 pm (All day)

Using Library of Congress Faceted VocabulariesThe Library of Congress has developed a separate thesaurus of genre/form terms, which describe what a resource is, rather than what it is about. New MARC fields have been created for recording faceted data, including characteristics of creators and audiences, and time period or place of creation. This workshop will focus on the application of Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT) and Library of Congress Demographic Group Terms (LCDGT), with exercises to give attendees an opportunity to practice what they have learned. Hear strategies for retrospective application of faceted terms and for using faceted vocabularies to enhance discovery.

Sponsor: OLA Technical Services Round Table (TSRT)

Adam Schiff, Principal Cataloger, University of Washington Libraries Kelley McGrath Metadata Management Librarian, University of Oregon LibrariesCasey Mullin, Head of Cataloging and Metadata Services, Western Washington University

2:00–5:00 pm (3 hour)

Talking About Race and Racism with Young ChildrenResearch shows that children not only recognize race from a very young age, but also develop racial biases by ages three to five. So how do we talk about race with young children? In this preconference we will be discussing why it is important to be having conversations about race and racism with children at a young age, and how to start having these conversations. We will look at individual and systemic racism, intersectionality, and white fragility. Hands-on, interactive activities and smaller group discussions will give the participants experience and firsthand knowledge to bring back to their daily work and the communities they serve.

VR: Ready For Its Reality?Virtual Reality (VR) is THE next technology tool for nearly everything, including education. So with a focus on educational value, the Washington State Library (WSL) distributed fifty Oculus VR systems into public libraries beginning in January 2018. Come hear a team of panelist from the WSL, the University of Washington iSchool, Oculus/Facebook Technologies, and the libraries share a wealth of information from this VR in Libraries Project on facilitating educational VR programs. Plus, we’ll outline coding and certification opportunities in Unity (a VR coding platform), talk about VR’s future, and offer hands on VR experiences using the Rift, the GO, and other VR platforms.

Promoting Democracy Through Civic & Political Reference Services: What Every Adult & Youth Librarian Should KnowCivic engagement is low, which is problematic for Democracy. Often it is because citizens (including library staff!) are mystified about the basics of politics and fundamental advocacy skills and opportunities—of which there are SO many. Libraries should be the focal point for gaining this knowledge. This hands-on workshop covers fundamental skills for adult and youth librarians, such as how to find and track bills, how to know who is giving money to campaigns, and how to make your voice heard by the government—in short, how to advocate for yourself and your community. Bring your computer! Resource sheet will be provided.

Cosplay for All: A Hands-on Programming Guide for BeginnersCommunities are clamoring for opportunities to show off their fandom spirit through cosplay, and libraries are looking to keep up with STEM learning while building 21st-century skills. This presentation will cover best practices for putting together a cosplay or fandom program, from getting approval for the new program to purchasing supplies and equipment. We will share resources, discuss different aspects of cosplay, and practice construction basics with hands-on activities. The presentation will provide resources for any library to develop a cosplay program that fits their community’s interests and abilities and is a ton of fun.

Managing the ICE Storm: Supporting Immigrants in Uncertain TimesRecent activities by federal immigration agencies, such as confronting and arresting immigrants in public places or attempting to access information about them have had such a frightening impact that many non-citizens (particularly Latinos) are no longer visiting libraries. What can public library staff do to legally, effectively, and compassionately support these vulnerable patrons? Featuring a panel of experts including nonprofit leaders, attorneys, and experienced outreach librarians, this session will discuss ways to positively respond to current immigrant enforcement trends and to ensure that the public library remains a safe and welcoming space for all.